Why Greater Grand Rapids
Talent
Greater Grand Rapids is a thriving regional economy with access to a robust talent pipeline. The region is home to more than 20 colleges and universities, and its workforce is comprised of motivated, innovative and highly skilled professionals.
The Right Place works closely with our strategic partner, Hello West Michigan, to make it easy for area companies to connect with top talent. Hello West Michigan serves as a single source for accessing, attracting, and retaining talent in West Michigan. By leveraging their expertise alongside your talent recruitment efforts, the result is a winning talent strategy across the board.
Contact our Talent Team for more information
TaRita D. Johnson
Senior Vice President, Talent & DiversityTaRita is the Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place Inc. She works to collaborate with workforce development organizations, employers, and investors to lead strategies to ensure West Michigan attracts, develops, and retains diverse talent.
Full Bio
Victor Joaquin, SHRM-CP
Talent Program ManagerAs Talent Program Manager for The Right Place, Victor works on establishing collaborative relationships between businesses, colleges, universities, and organizations dedicated to the flourishing of communities in West Michigan.
Full Bio
TaRita D. Johnson
Senior Vice President, Talent & DiversityTaRita is the Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place Inc. She works to collaborate with workforce development organizations, employers, and investors to lead strategies to ensure West Michigan attracts, develops, and retains diverse talent.
Victor Joaquin, SHRM-CP
Talent Program ManagerAs Talent Program Manager for The Right Place, Victor works on establishing collaborative relationships between businesses, colleges, universities, and organizations dedicated to the flourishing of communities in West Michigan.
Regional Education Data
View the most recent data on higher education in the Greater Grand Rapids region, including college enrollment numbers, top degrees by field and educational attainment rates.
Regional Workforce Data
View the most recent data on Greater Grand Rapids' regional workforce, including top occupation groups, average wages, union membership and more.
Demographics Data
View the most recent data on Greater Grand Rapids' demographic makeup.
Innovative Internships with Michigan STEM Forward
Ann Arbor SPARK and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have launched Michigan STEM Forward, a statewide program that matches students attending Michigan colleges and universities with internship opportunities at the state’s leading innovative companies.
Become a Hello West Michigan member company
Rachel Gray
Executive Director, Hello West MichiganAs the Executive Director for Hello West Michigan, Rachel leads the organization’s strategy, operations, and membership. She helps educate employers and prospective candidates about the region.
Full Bio
Jessica Kuster
Program Manager, Hello West MichiganJessica serves as the Program Manager for Hello West Michigan, where she oversees the internship and candidate connection programs, marketing and communication needs, and facilitates member orientation and training programs.
Full Bio
Rachel Gray
Executive Director, Hello West MichiganAs the Executive Director for Hello West Michigan, Rachel leads the organization’s strategy, operations, and membership. She helps educate employers and prospective candidates about the region.
Jessica Kuster
Program Manager, Hello West MichiganJessica serves as the Program Manager for Hello West Michigan, where she oversees the internship and candidate connection programs, marketing and communication needs, and facilitates member orientation and training programs.
Upcoming Talent Events
Talent Learning Lab - March 2025
In this competitive talent attraction environment, recruiting diverse talent, cultivating a positive workplace culture, and ensuring your company brand is seen in a positive light are imperative for organizational growth and success.
Talent Learning Lab - June 2025
In this competitive talent attraction environment, recruiting diverse talent, cultivating a positive workplace culture, and ensuring your company brand is seen in a positive light are imperative for organizational growth and success.
Talent Learning Lab - August 2025
In this competitive talent attraction environment, recruiting diverse talent, cultivating a positive workplace culture, and ensuring your company brand is seen in a positive light are imperative for organizational growth and success.